by Julia Roberts

A pervert who sexually abused young girls dating back 30 years has been jailed for five years.

Raymond Russell, 64, touched his victims intimately both over and under their clothing.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the carpenter told one girl not to tell anyone, and later claimed following his arrest that another had "encouraged" him to touch her.

Russell, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, admitted 20 offences of indecent assault, seven of sexual assault of a child and one offence of indecency with a child.

The court heard some of the charges dated back to 1982, while others occurred more recently.

Passing sentence, Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said he took the view that Russell, who lost the use of his left arm in a motorcycle accident when he was 21, poses a significant risk of serious harm toward children.

He therefore imposed an extended licence period of five years. This means Russell will serve half his sentence behind bars, the remaining two-and-a-half years on licence and then a further licence period of five years.

"You have expressed remorse but it has to be said that it is plain from the pre-sentence report that you no do not have full insight into the true and ghastly reality of your offending and its consequences, in particular the effects on your victims," remarked Judge Griffith-Jones.

"The writer of the report comments that, in his opinion, you are not emotionally capable of appreciating the effect of your conduct on your victims."

Prosecutor Andrew Espley told the court the abuse did not involve penetration.

One girl also told police Russell lay on top of her, "flesh against flesh".

When arrested in 2011 he admitted all the allegations and described his behaviour as "foolish".

However, Mr Espley said Russell told police he enjoyed touching one girl but "did not see it as a sexual attraction".

Alan Gardner, defending, said Russell had voluntarily sought counselling in the 1990s and thought he had been "cured".

Since his arrest last year he had been undergoing further counselling through a charity known as Stop It Now.

"It is the beginning of a very long process but is some evidence that he is beginning to address his own actions and wrongdoing," added Mr Gardner.

"The risk he poses can be addressed and managed over a period of time, albeit with a custodial environment."

Russell must sign on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and will be barred from working with children.